AS a perfect antidote to festive indulgence, why not enjoy a relaxing stroll around one of the Essex Country Parks this Christmas?

With nine Country Parks located across the county there is green space for everyone to take advantage of to walk off their Christmas feast. With over 550 acres of woodlands, lakes and grasslands, as well as a variety of footpaths, tracks and bridleways, walking routes can be made as short or as long as preferred.

The Essex County Council run Country Parks include:

Belhus Woods

Cressing Temple

Cudmore Grove

Danbury

Great Notley and the Flitch Way

Hadleigh

Marsh Farm

Thorndon

Weald

Not only are Country Parks great for walking or cycling, but they can also be an open air playground for children. Given the chance, children will play instinctively with the natural elements that surround them, whether that’s grasslands, woodlands or a sandy beach. Together families can take pleasure in engaging with the natural environment that surrounds them.

County councillor Jeremy Lucas, cabinet member for Customer Services, Environment and Culture said: “At first glance Essex appears a rather urban county but actually it is rather green.

“Our Essex Country Parks are open 365 days a year and are the perfect outdoor location for families to come together over the festive season and to walk off the Christmas feast.”

Beyond the festive season, Country Parks can be a useful place to set New Year resolutions in motion. The parks can be used to introduce daily exercise into your life, whether that is brisk walking, running or cycling.

A recent press release from NICE (National Institution for Heath and Clinical Excellence) stated that ‘Regular physical activity is crucial to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes by up to 50 per cent and is also important for good mental health.’

Why not make exercise the change for a lifetime this festive season and get out into your Country Park. Car parking season tickets are available for purchase, click here for more details.